Xavier McElrath-Bey, Youth Justice Advocate

Education: Bachelor of Social Science, Master of Arts in Human Services from Roosevelt University

Known around the office as: Just Xavier

Recognizable by: His signature laugh and his passion

Xavier McElrath-Bey was arrested for a gang-related murder when he was 13. After he was convicted, he was sentenced to serve 25 years in prison, nearly twice as long he had been alive. While in prison, Xavier earned a college degree and developed remorse for his role in the crime. He also committed his life to working for change on behalf of the victim in the case.

Xavier was released in 2002 after 13 years.

Soon after his release, Xavier earned a Master of Arts in Roosevelt University’s Counseling and Human Services program. For 12 years, he worked in various positions that were designed to help keep children out of the criminal justice system, including as an outreach worker and intervention specialist and as a clinical research interviewer for Northwestern University’s Juvenile Project, where he assessed the mental health needs and outcomes of formerly incarcerated youth.

Xavier now serves as the Youth Justice Advocate with the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth. In his role he speaks to groups throughout the country in support of our public education and advocacy efforts.

Xavier also works with other people who were incarcerated as youth to help them engage more deeply and strategically in the movement for the fair sentencing and treatment of all children. Through the Incarcerated Children’s Advocacy Network, or ICAN, which Xavier launched in 2014, dozens of people who were incarcerated as children have come together through social media and other channels to share support and information about their own advocacy efforts.

“I am a firm believer that no child is born bad, and all children—including those who have made horrible mistakes—deserve another chance for positive change,” he said.

When not working, Xavier spends as much time as possible exploring his hometown of Chicago with his young daughter, and spending time with family and friends. He fills the rest of his free time watching documentaries and finding vintage paintings, household decorations and other treasures in local thrift stores.

Voices

Formerly incarcerated youth: Supreme Court right that kids are different

I am a committed father who is working to keep kids out of trouble and our streets free of violent crime.

I also faced a possible sentence of life without the possibility of parole or the death penalty when I was only 16. I was convicted of third degree homicide instead of first degree murder and received a lesser sentence and served 8 ½ years behind bars. Since I was released in 1997, I have worked with hundreds of young men, trying to prevent them from entering the criminal justice system. Read more from formerly incarcerated youth...Edwin Desamour, Philadelphia

I was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison when I was 13 years old.

I had already spent time in the juvenile detention center on seven different occasions. Yet at such a young age, I didn't fully understand the ramifications of what had occurred; nor did I understand how so many lives -- including my own -- would be devastated because of my actions. I did not think the victim would die and I was not the actual killer, so I never imagined that I would face a long prison term. Only when I was transferred to adult court and spoke to my defense lawyer did I understand that I would likely spend decades in prison. I eventually plead guilty in order to avoid the 40-year sentence the state sought. Read more from formerly incarcerated youth...Xavier McElrath-Bey, Chicago

Mother tells her story of addressing the mental health issues that led to her son’s sentence

When my son was born, I knew very little about how kids typically behave. I was only 19 and he was my first child. His sister was not born for another 9 years.

During his formative years he was smart, quiet and obedient. He was in classes for gifted kids and showed talent in design and engineering at a very young age. He crafted elaborate building plans for spaceships, which at the time were very futuristic. I had no idea that he also suffered from a serious mental illness. Read more from families of incarcerated youth...Cat Lambert, Colorado

The mother of a 3-year-old homicide victim supports holding young people accountable for their crimes, but life-without-parole sentences for juveniles is not the answer.

Nearly 17 years ago, my three-year-old son, Casson Xavier “Biscuit” Evans, was killed in a drive-by shooting. I could not have imagined that I would someday want to see the shooter released from prison or that I would become an advocate for ending the practice of sentencing children to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Read more from families of victims...Sharletta Evans, Colorado

Bishops' Committee Joins Call To End Life Sentences Without Parole For Children

A committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has endorsed the principles of a national campaign to end the practice of sentencing people under the age of 18 to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"While there is no question that violent and dangerous youth need to be confined for their safety and that of society, the USCCB does not support provisions that treat children as though they are equal to adults in their moral and cognitive development," said Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, California, chairman of the committee. "Life sentences without parole eliminate the opportunity for rehabilitation or second chances." Read more from organizational partners...United States Conference of Catholic Bishops,

We did some dumb things as teenagers that might have caused a lot of harm. You probably did, too. Fortunately, we didn’t hurt anyone too badly, but we cringe now at how clueless we were about the possible consequences of what we did.

Teenagers often don’t make very good decisions. Our laws take this into account in many ways: We don’t let young people drink until they are 21, and they can’t sign contracts, vote or serve on juries until they are 18. But there is one area in which we ignore teens’ youth and impulsiveness: our criminal laws. Read more from opinion leaders...Newt Gingrich and Pat Nolan,

Letter from Individual Currently Serving to the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth

"And it is crystal clear to me if I got out today there is not an ounce of fiber in me that wants to be involved in anything criminal. There is so much more available in life, only a moron would want to live life like this. I believe change can be made, and a big reason for that is 'cause I see it in myself." Read more from people currently serving...Individual Serving Life Without Parole for a Crime Committed as a Youth,